atomic clock

noun

: a precision clock that depends for its operation on an electrical oscillator regulated by the natural vibration frequencies of an atomic system (such as a beam of cesium atoms)

Examples of atomic clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet for all their accuracy, atomic clocks are also extremely delicate. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

The same is true for technologies such as atomic clocks and quantum magnetometers, which are already relatively mature and have many practical applications. — IEEE Spectrum, 12 Aug. 2026

Today, Earth's GPS satellites continuously broadcast timing signals generated by onboard atomic clocks. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 May 2026

Infleqtion, by contrast, is pursuing a broader strategy that includes quantum computing, quantum sensing, atomic clocks and software, providing revenue today to fund an aggressive development roadmap to quantum advantage. — Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for atomic clock

• electroshock
• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk

Kids Definition

atomic clock

noun

: an extremely exact clock that depends for its operation on the natural vibrations of atoms (as of cesium)